What are you thankful for?

​Dear Faith Family,
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

It has officially been 18 days since the Los Angeles Dodgers have broken my heart, so I think it’s time for me to get over it and talk about what it means to be thankful.

I say that jokingly (kinda), but there does seem to be a funny stereotype around Thanksgiving. In every movie and TV show that revolves around the theme of this holiday, the same thing happens. The scene starts off wonderfully; family members arriving, enjoying each other’s company, but inevitably, usually during the dinner scene, something is said and BAM! the drama begins. The good news is, by the end of the film, someone advocated for peace and harmony during this holiday, and the family comes to their senses and expresses all that they are thankful for.

Sometimes to be thankful is an easy task when something great has happened in our lives. This is indeed the proper response to any great news or life event, God has given us the ability to feel this way. Sometimes I am in awe about the way our God has created us in such a unique way.

Sometimes also, in our busy lives, especially during this busy holiday season, we need to take a step back and allow ourselves to be thankful. Allow the ability to take a break from business to reflect on the good in our lives to be the protagonist in the holiday film, helping us to understand that we have a lot to be grateful for.

So, what am I grateful for? A beautiful wife, a wonderful daughter, great family and friends and a great parish family. I’m especially grateful to all the leaders that dedicate so much time to youth and young adult ministry. I can’t remember how many times I’ve ever stated my gratitude for them previously, but I know that I haven’t stated it enough.

That’s my growing list of the things I’m currently thankful for. And I know this is the thanksgiving holiday bulletin letter, but I must make sure to express my gratitude to God for these things as well, because through Him, I have all these things and I’m able to understand what love truly is.

So, with all that said, what are you thankful for? Before you prep up that wonderful Thanksgiving speech this Thursday, why don’t you give a practice speech to God in your nightly prayer? I’m sure he would love to hear it as well. Even if you’re still trying to get over the World Series.

​Brett Becker
Youth and Young Adult Minister
November 19, 2017

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